E.J. Jones Discusses His Recruitment

Joe Deien

12/11/2005

E.J. Jones from Edwardsville, IL was scheduled to visit Illinois this weekend, but he was unable to make it due to the ACT test. Read more on E.J. in this update from IlliniBoard.com, including his thoughts on Illinois, and the other schools on his list.

E.J. Jones is a 5'11 athlete from Edwardsville, Illinois. Jones transferred to Edwardsville for his senior season after attending Springfield North High School in Ohio, where he was an all-conference performer. He was unable to make it to Illinois this past weekend for an official visit as he stayed home to take the ACT. Read on to see where his recruitment is headed as of now.

"We just thought it would be too much to do the visit this weekend after taking the ACT. We are rescheduling the visit for January."

Jones is a busy man in Edwardsville. After a deep playoff run on the grid iron, Jones is now hitting the hardwood with the Tiger basketball team. This is making it tough to set up visits to check out the schools that are showing interest.

"I want to take a few more visits, but it's tough during basketball season. I'm going to go to Illinois in January. I'm also being recruited by BYU, Kansas, Arkansas State, and Hawaii." All have offered Jones a scholarship.

"Coach Zaunbrecher recruits this area for them and he's had the most contact with me. He's their QB and one of their highly respected coaches. He has been to my house and games to see me."

"I also really like Coach Zook, I think he's a great coach and that he is on the right track to getting things turned around."

In making a decision on what school to attend, Jones is the most interested in seeing the way the school plays and what they are looking for. "Getting a good education and going to a school that has a plan for you is also important."

"Illinois is looking at me for both offense and defense. Kansas and Hawaii are recruiting me as an athlete. BYU sees me as a defensive back. I have no preference as to where I want to play, just want the staff to have a plan for me."

"I'll probably commit after I've taken a few visits and get a little bit clearer picture. Now that football season is over and with us doing so well in the playoffs, a lot of colleges are trying to get in touch."

Even with more schools getting in touch, it appears that one school does appear to have an advantage in his recruitment.

"The Illini do stand out a little more than the other schools right now. They are the state school and they are showing great interest in me."

JayD's Note:I think this one is the Illini's to lose. Jones claims an offer from the Illini and I think would commit on his visit, whenever it does happen. Kansas and BYU may have a shot at gaining some ground, though, should they get him on campus for a visit. If they don't, I'm not sure how he goes anywhere else.